How's Tampico?

[summ8rmk]

Tampico is ready to ride.
i went for a quick ride today and was very suprised to find all of the untouched snow(a light rain from the snowpark up a little past treephones)
. i found some deep snow to play in. i still cant believe with all of the people up there that i could find so much untouched snow. needless to say it ended up being a little more than a quick ride.

becarefull of the ice on the pavement on the way up in the morning, and i hope they get that groomer fixed soon, those moguls are some of the worst ive ridden on.( from treephones to clover flats)

 

[Snodawg]

Tampico is ready to ride.
i went for a quick ride today and was very suprised to find all of the untouched snow(a light rain from the snowpark up a little past treephones)
. i found some deep snow to play in. i still cant believe with all of the people up there that i could find so much untouched snow. needless to say it ended up being a little more than a quick ride.

becarefull of the ice on the pavement on the way up in the morning, and i hope they get that groomer fixed soon, those moguls are some of the worst ive ridden on.( from treephones to clover flats)

X2 Found a lot of untouched. Snopark was pretty full today.

 

[94fordguy]

Anybody know if the groomer has been up yet? Why the delay? It is January after all

 

[spook222]

I hope all this rain we're getting down here on the flats is snow up top, any word?

 

[Tampico]

Yesterday, it snowed about 3" at the sno-parks, but lightly rained all last night, temperature was around freezing, so we did not lose much.

Green Lake Sno-tel did not show an increase in snow depth yesterday, but had a .5" increase in water content, current temp up there is 37.8 @ 0900 this morning, not good. It is supposed to cool down and snow some Wednesday and Friday. Upper riding areas should be good for this weekend.

Conditions were ok (foggy on top) on Sunday, most of it was really tracked up. Upper roads were really rough, lot of use over last weekend. Latest word on the grooming was for mid-later this week, but he is aware of the conditions. Snow is still light below Whites ridge turnout on the middle fork, and below snow cabin on the north fork.

I will post more on the grooming when I get more current information tomorrow night; will try to that and new snowfall totals sometime Thursday if possible.

Tampico

 

[94fordguy]

Just got back from the groomers meeting. I'll let Tampico give a full report as he is much more in tune with what is going on, but the basic word is that repairs to the groomer should be done by tomorrow and hopefully the groomer will be able to make it up to groom what snow there is on Friday.....

BTW, it was nice meeting you Tampico

 

[Spyder73]

Was up today, lots of crust and bumps. As is every year the grooming, total lack there of, absolutely sucks. It’s the same story different year “WHERES THE GROOMING”. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t we actually have to come up with cash out of pocket to keep this area open? Seems the grooming is happening everywhere else but naturally, Tampico is totally bump city. This is a bunch of crap and its getting old. Every year for at least the last 3 have been the same. Why is it, that Little Naches and Rimrock can get groomed but Tampico????? I know, I know, equipment failure, breakdown, waiting for parts.. What a load of BS. These groomers only run for a short time every year, yet they always break down? Coincidence? NO… I guarantee if its one of Vicks other pieces of equipment that makes him money year round, its not always broke down, or if it is its replaced by a back up. Sorry to unload, however I cannot be the only one thinking this way. What a bunch of BS, maybe we should of kept the money and rode there anyway, what would be the difference? After all WE snowmobilers pay dearly to enjoy, yes enjoy this sport. Is it too much to ask for a smooth trail??????? Signed: Totally frustrated and sick of excuses……………………..

 

[moondoo]

x2 Well said

 

[dub]

Was up today, lots of crust and bumps. As is every year the grooming, total lack there of, absolutely sucks. It’s the same story different year “WHERES THE GROOMING”. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t we actually have to come up with cash out of pocket to keep this area open? Seems the grooming is happening everywhere else but naturally, Tampico is totally bump city. This is a bunch of crap and its getting old. Every year for at least the last 3 have been the same. Why is it, that Little Naches and Rimrock can get groomed but Tampico????? I know, I know, equipment failure, breakdown, waiting for parts.. What a load of BS. These groomers only run for a short time every year, yet they always break down? Coincidence? NO… I guarantee if its one of Vicks other pieces of equipment that makes him money year round, its not always broke down, or if it is its replaced by a back up. Sorry to unload, however I cannot be the only one thinking this way. What a bunch of BS, maybe we should of kept the money and rode there anyway, what would be the difference? After all WE snowmobilers pay dearly to enjoy, yes enjoy this sport. Is it too much to ask for a smooth trail??????? Signed: Totally frustrated and sick of excuses……………………..

I have yet to see Rimrock groomed either...

 

[Tampico]

I will give more information tomorrow on conditions/grooming/lack of grooming. We are supposed to have a system moving in tomorrow. I will also explain further this last falls volunteer fundraising efforts, and where that money went, and how it ties in with our current Ahtanum groomer operator.

I hesitate to give an actual grooming date, because the dates I have been told and posted on here, did not happen. Thus, I am getting to the point that I have to see it to believe it.

Spyder73, I totally agree with your post. The grooming council meeting last night was very animated. My main concern is to just get the groomer (and its operator) functioning. Due to state budget cuts, this fundraising (or DNR fee increase) may become a permanent thing (ie pay to play). There are many other items from last nights meeting that are highly pertinent to the future of the Ahtanums snowmobile use, but I need to make certain I have correct information before I go online here. One point of your post, however, states about not paying the money and riding anyway (correct point at this time); without the fundraising, there would have been no plowing (that has taken place), parking, and hence no riding of the Ahtanum for 80%+ of the current users (ie it is not legal to park alongside the road like the old days). I will post more information when I verify some more facts, and I plan on it being better news than what is the current situation.

I encourage any one who has recently rode the Ahtanum to please post conditions and locations thereof.

Tampico

 

[Spyder73]

Tampico,

I really appreciate your condition updates, thank you for that. I completely understand what you mean and know that at a minimum the lots have been plowed out for us which, allows us to park and ride the bumps. I, like I am sure others, am just really frustrated with the grooming, total lack thereof, however I know the money is used for other vital things.

Seems strange how a place like White Pass Ski Resort seems to have their grooming equipment running all the time. Just a guess, but its probably due to all the maintenance they do during the off season, novel idea huh..

I would really like to know what we, as a group could do to try to get another company for grooming this area, because the one with the current contract is horrible…. Also, do you have any info on who to contact at DNR to file complaints about worthless contractors? This really needs to stop being an every year issue.

Thanks again and keep the updates coming…

 

[D8 Man]

thanks for the updates Tampico. I don't post much on here but I do check this thread for updates! Keep em coming. going to try and get up there this weekend, need a test ride before I head to Yellowstone the following weekend.

 

[dooguy]

Haven't been up yet this year. I take it scratchers are needed.

 

[Spyder73]

Definately need scratchers, good suspension and a strong back....

 

[94fordguy]

hahaha, animated is pretty appropriate... that it was

 

[94fordguy]

I have yet to see Rimrock groomed either...

Yes, the general Rimrock area has been groomed, as I heard, everything has been birmed, and anything with enough snow has been groomed (I think that means everything but the airstrip itself (pretty low elevation))

 

[Tampico]

Tampico early morning update-NEW PARKING SCEME

The DNR winter coordinator is going to try a new parking scheme in the main parking lot this weekend, to hopefully fit more vehicles and RV's in a more logical manner. He should be up there all weekend, and there may be blue dye in the lot to help coordinate things. The DNR personnel in our area have been very helpful this past 5 months in getting every thing together for this years winter season. Lets help them by trying this new scheme and giving them our support. I have seen this work in Oregon sno-parks, with good results. This would also be a good time to make sure we all have licenses and permits.

Spyder73-A lot of the questions as to the present and future problems of the grooming are in the process of being dealt with. I am the (frustrated) grooming coordinator for the Ahtanum, and so I am somewhat hesitant to publish what "might" happen versus what is actually going on. I will try to find the correct phone number for your complaints; another option is the monthly grooming meeting held every 1st Wednesday at the Naches Ranger station, on the back side of the building. Your questions were asked (to put it politely) by others in attendance, the ensuing discussion, was not so polite. There is a strong likely hood of significant changes next year. I will post more on this after it appears in the minutes of the next board meeting, and we approve those minutes (basically just a technicality). Fordman94 can explain more of what was said in the meeting if so inclined (and it was nice to meet you and Ed also, I haven't seen Ed S since about 4th grade). On a short term positive note, the groomer was not in its usual parked location last evening, but I got home after dark and could not see clearly. I will post any updates and known activity this evening. The operator was hopeful of grooming before tomorrow.

This mornings conditions are 20F with a trace of new snow. The weather forecast is SUCKY for low elevations, however, for the weekend and next week. We are anticipating rain or freezing rain at sno-park level for tonight and Saturday morning, and more rain next week. Snow levels should be 4000' + elevation. Scratchers will be a must! I don't feel that this is going to be a good winter for snow, just a "hunch" based on the long term forecasts (I work in agriculture, so irrigation water is a must for me, and I watch all the forecasts a lot).

Thanks and have a good weekend;
Tampico

 

[Tampico]

Grooming has started!!!

Grooming started this afternoon on the middle fork. Big thanks to our operator for working hard and getting it before the weekend. Really.

Remember, from the post above about the new parking scheme; there is a new poster right at the entrance on the west end (hard to miss). I believe this will enable us to put more vehicles in the parking area. Parking lot is in decent shape.

Current sno-park conditions at 1800 are 23F, no precip falling. We did have a freezing drizzle all day, however. The forecast is for 1-3" of new snow or sleet this evening, tapering off tomorrow morning and turning to rain. Snow level tomorrow is forecast at 5600', lowering to 2900' by Sunday morning. Watch for icy roads in the morning. Tomorrows snow park temp is forecast to be 34-37, slightly cooler on Sunday (BTW, I am just reading the NWS spot forecasts, no crystal balls or involved).

I will post any new updates as I receive them,and am planning to ride on Sunday.

Have a good ride,
Tampico

 

[Spyder73]

Tampico,

Thanks again for the update, thank god the bumps will finally smooth out. Now we just need more snow. I can only imagine how frustrating your position must be. But again thanks for all you do and maybe we'll have a good weekend Now lets all pray for some furious white to drop from up above.......

 

[94fordguy]

Grooming started this afternoon on the middle fork. Big thanks to our operator for working hard and getting it before the weekend. Really.

Remember, from the post above about the new parking scheme; there is a new poster right at the entrance on the west end (hard to miss). I believe this will enable us to put more vehicles in the parking area. Parking lot is in decent shape.

Current sno-park conditions at 1800 are 23F, no precip falling. We did have a freezing drizzle all day, however. The forecast is for 1-3" of new snow or sleet this evening, tapering off tomorrow morning and turning to rain. Snow level tomorrow is forecast at 5600', lowering to 2900' by Sunday morning. Watch for icy roads in the morning. Tomorrows snow park temp is forecast to be 34-37, slightly cooler on Sunday (BTW, I am just reading the NWS spot forecasts, no crystal balls or involved).

I will post any new updates as I receive them,and am planning to ride on Sunday.

Have a good ride,
Tampico

That is GREAT news indeed, Very glad to hear that the groomer was able to get out and get things started

Thanks very much for the report Tampico... now if we can just get a couple more feet of snow

As stated in the previous post, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the grooming meetings, there is a lot of good information to be gathered there about basic trail conditions and future plans, problems, etc, very good event to go to Every first Wed of the month at 7:00 Pm at the Naches Ranger Station.